Testimony has begun in the first trial for Michael Anthony.
In Hernando County, Anthony faces attempted murder and several other charges after leading law enforcement on a high speed chase across two counties in 2011.
Tuesday, the prosecution's key witness took the stand. Sergeant Brandon Ross has been with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office for 20 years. He described the pursuit that led to the first of two crashes.
"The vehicle comes over to my lane," Sgt. Ross testified. "And hits the front of my car."
Sgt. Ross said the car he was chasing was headed towards on-coming traffic. Sgt. Ross feared someone would get hurt.
"At that point, at that point, you make a decision to do nothing and hope for the best or you do something," Ross testified.
Driving side-by-side, Sgt. Ross said he rammed into the car. Sgt. Ross crashed after the vehicle hit his unit.
"When everything was done, I was actually looking at the ceiling of my patrol car," Sgt. Ross said. "There were sparks. I wasn't sure if the car was on fire."
Sgt. Ross hurt his shoulder and back from the chase. He testified he never saw the driver. But other officers pointed to Michael Anthony as the man who caused the chase and hit the squad car.
During cross-examination, Michael Anthony's lawyer asked whether there had ever been training in high speed chases. Sergeant Ross said there had not been training for pursuits.
The judge also read a question from a juror regarding whether the sergeant ever thought about forgoing the chase.
Sgt. Ross responded that the public was in danger so he made the decision to keep going.
The pursuit started in Hernando, but ended in Pasco County with the death of Hernando Deputy John Mecklenburg.
Anthony will face murder charges for Mecklenburg's death in a second trial in Pasco County.